SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT

In reply to the Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (5 April 2012).

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations): The Minister for Health and Ageing has been advised:

1. There has not been a delay in the implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2011 (the Act).

Full implementation requires the development of supporting regulations, as contemplated by the Act. Following the passing of the Act on 17 May 2011, consultation was undertaken on the development of regulations with stakeholders, including local government, who will share in administration of the Act. Drafting instructions for proposed regulations were provided to Parliamentary Counsel following Cabinet approval on 19 March 2012. A consultation draft was completed in June 2012.

The draft regulations were released for public consultation from July 2012 until 28 September 2012, which included information sessions attended by a broad range of stakeholders. Following consideration of comments, the draft regulations will be reviewed and amended as required before seeking Cabinet approval for submission to the Governor in Executive Council to be made. It is expected that this will occur in early 2013.